News Release: November 29, 2001
New Jersey manufacturers set up shop in the halls of the State House to show off their New Jersey made products for the Assembly Members and Senators who were in town for legislative business Thursday, 
November 29, as part of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association's Made In New Jersey Day.Companies from across the state showcased American flags, military ribbons, life rafts, canvas tote bags, solar swimming pool heaters, vinyl windows and dozens of other products made every day in the Garden State.
"Made in New Jersey Day is an opportunity for our members to strut their stuff," NJBIA President Joseph Gonzalez said. "One out of every five of our member companies is a manufacturer, creating jobs and making investments in communities throughout New Jersey. This is an effort to educate government and the public about the important contributions manufacturers make to our economy."
"This is a fun event that let's our lawmakers know about the interesting and exciting products our entrepreneurs have developed," NJBIA Executive Vice President Philip Kirschner said. "But there is a serious side to this event as well. We're here to let our legislators know that it is vital to keep manufacturing alive in New Jersey and to support manufacturers in their efforts to create jobs in the state."
Twenty-five New Jersey manufacturers exhibited their products in the State House, sharing how they are made with our Governor, Assembly members and Senators.
Annin & Co. of Roseland demonstrated their American flag manufacturing operation, Switlik Parachute Company, Inc. of Trenton displayed their life rafts and life preservers, and Ballet Makers, Inc. of Totowa exhibited their toe shoes.
Made in New Jersey Day featured well-known name brands such as Ocean Spray Cranberries, L'Oreal Cosmetics, and Lenox China.
The names of other exhibitors may not be as recognizable even though their products are everywhere. Accurate Box Co. Inc. of Paterson, for instance, manufactures containers and folding cartons for familiar products like Kleenex tissues. Robert Lighting and Energy makes fixtures for fluorescent lights.
"The legislators like to stop and talk because they take a great interest in the products exhibited and the businesses," explained Michael Karlovich of Phillips Bayway Refinery. "Basically, I think they like the idea of getting to know more about New Jersey businesses and what we do."
Twenty-two companies this year contributed product samples for the famous "New Jersey Product Sampler Bag," which was distributed to legislators during the luncheon. Sample products include Polaner All Fruit preserves by B&G Foods of Parsippany, M&M Candies from Master Foods USA of Hackettstown, and Worchestershire sauce by Lea and Perrins of Fair Lawn.
Founded in 1910 by a handful of manufacturers who wanted to exchange information and take positions on government issues, NJBIA now represents over 17,000 member companies of every size in every county New Jersey. These companies employ more than one million people, nearly one-third of the state's private sector workforce.
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News Release: November 29, 2001